Chair-desk unit



2,6&1,1100

J n 5, 9 A. c. HOVEN ETAL CHAIR-DESK UNIT 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Aug. 12, 1952 5 R O T N w mu 6 v m c d r r 1 A mill-er E Nordmaz-k Norman C. Poel BY Douglas M Humpkrz'ea WWAM ATTORNEY June 15, 1954 A. c. HOVE'N ETAL CHAIR- DESK UNIT 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 12, 1952 INVENTORS Alfred C Haven TVizZi c-r E. .[Vbrdmark .N'brman C- .Poel pouylaa JV. Huzu ahrz'es I '1 ATTORNEY June 15, 1954 A, Q, HOVEN ET AL 2,681,100

CHAIR-DESK UNIT Filed Aug. 12, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTORS Alfred C, Ho rJen Wall-er .E. Nordmaz-k Mrmaa C. .Poel .Doaglaas M Hueapriea ATTORNEY June 15, 1954 A. c. HOVEN ET AL 0 CHAIR-DESK UNIT Filed Aug. 12, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTO Alfred C. Hoflen Walfer E-Nordmaz-li Norman C. .POeL Douglas M Humphz'ies WMMM AAAAA E Y Patented June 15, 1954 UNITED STATE i TENT OFFICE CHAIR-DESK UNIT Jersey Application August 12, 1952, Serial No. 303,892

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to combination chair-desk units primarily intended for use in classrooms.

The primary objects of the invention are to provide an improved chair-desk unit; mounted on a relatively flat base which serves as a common base for the desk structure and the chair structure, and which base also includes a shelf region serving as a support or depository for books or the like; to provide such a structure in which the base element, being relatively flat, facilitates sweeping and cleaning the chair-desk unit and the floor area around it; to provide such a unit in which the chair structure and the desk structure are independently vertically adjustable to accommodate occupants of various sizes and preferences in seating posture; and in general to provide a combination chair-desk unit which is sturdy in construction, comfortable and convenient in use, and reasonably economical in manufacture.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the new chair-desk unit;

Figure 2 is a view of the same partly in side elevation and partly in vertical section taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the same taken on lines 33 of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the same;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of parts thereof, taken on line 55 of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan view shown partly in section taken on line 6--$ of Figure 2; and

Figure '7 is a fragmentary perspective view showing certain parts of the structure prior to their final assembly.

Referring now in detail to these drawings wherein like parts are designated by the same numerals in the several views, the chair-desk there shown generally comprises a base structure it], a chair-support ll having a chair structure l2 mounted thereon, and a desk-support l3 having a desk structure 14 mounted thereon.

The base structure ll] comprises a generally rectangular sheet metal base plate I5 having strengthening ribs l6 upwardly embossed therein and having near its middle region an upstanding generally triangular boss I! therein (see Figs 2 and i) with slots [8 through the plate at the corners of said boss 11. A sheet metal base canopy I9 is disposed over the base plate l5 and has an upstanding peripheral wall 20 secured as by welding to the periphery of the base plate H5. The middle region 2| of the base canopy i9 is formed upwardly and is thus spaced upwardly from the base plate IS an appreciable distance, and a substantially triangular aperture 22 is pierced through this middle region of the base canopy l9 directly above the boss ll on the base plate 15.

The chair-support H comprises an upwardly tapered column 23 of tubular sheet metal having a generally triangular cross-section. The lower end portion of this column circumscribes the boss ll on the base plate, and lugs 24 at the lower exremity of the column 23 project through the slots 98 of base plate l5 and are secured therein as by welding. The chair-supporting column 23 projects upwardly through the aperture 22 in the base canopy l9 and being snugly embraced thereby the column is firmly secured in upright position on the base structure.

The chair structure l2 comprises L-shaped frames 25 to which are secured back rails 26 and a seat 2?. The side frames 25 are secured as by spot welding indicated at 28 in Figure 2 to a pair of transverse brackets 29 depending from the seat proper. Each bracket 29 has two series of vertically spaced apertures 30 therethrough, through which apertures are inserted screws 31 for securing the chair structure to a mounting member 32 turnably mounted on the upper end of the chair-supporting column 23 by means of swivel connections 33-. It will readily be seen that the seat structure may be adjusted to several selected heights by preselecting the desired apertures 38 through which to pass the screws 3!.

A base extension 34 is secured to one of the forward corners of the base structure ill, preferably the right front; corner, as shown. The form of this base extension 34 is best seen in Figure '7. It comprises a single metal sheet formed to provide upstanding side walls or flanges 35, 33 and a connecting portion 31. The side wall or flange 35 is secured as by welding to the adjacent end portion of the base canopys peripheral wall 2t, while the side wall 36 is provided with a lateral flange 38 secured as by welding to the front portion of the base canopy. The connecting portion 3? extends upwardly-forwardly and terminates in a substantially horizontal web portion 39 provided with an aperture 40 therethrough. This base extension 34 is provided for the attachment of the desk-support I3 to the unit.

The desk support I3 comprises an upwardly tapered column 4| of tubular sheet metal having a generally triangular cross-section. The lower rear wall of this column ll is cut away to permit entry or the base extension 34 into the lower interior of said column 4 I. A housing 42 is secured to the lower rearward part of the column ll and extends rearwardly from the cut away opening in the columns rear wall. The housing 42 comprises side walls 5-3, i l secured as by spot welding to the inner side wall of the column Gl, and a downwardly-rearwardly extending connecting portion the upper forward edge of which is provided with flanges secured as by spot welding to the inner rear wall of the column 3 l, and with a forwardly projecting tab ll having an aperture it therethrough, all as best seen in Figure 7.

The desk-supporting column d! and housing 32 are assembled to the base extension 34 as indicated by the arrows in Figure 7. A bolt is is then passed through the registering apertures :8 and ll] in the housings tab 4? and the base extensions web 34, and is provided with a nut A second bolt 5| is then inserted through an aperture 52 in a flange 53 turned inwardly from the housings side wall 45, through registering apertures 5- 55 in the flange 38 and base canopy I9, and the bolt 5i is provided with a nut 56. A third bolt 57 is passed through aligned apertures in the housings side wall 33, in the base extensions side wall or flange 35 and in the end portion of the base canopys peripheral wall 20, said apertures being des ignated 58, 59 and as respectively in Figure 7. The bolt, 5! is provided with a nut 6i. The desksupporting column ll is thus rigidly and securely attached to the base structure.

The upper end of the desk-supporting column 4! is provided with a triangular collar or mounting member 52 secured thereto as by welding. The desk structure I comprises a flat top 53 of plywood or the like, to the underside of which are secured as by woodscrews the inwardly turned flanges 55, 65 of a depending v-shaped bracket 61'. This bracket 6'1 has three seriesof vertically spaced apertures 68. Three bolts 89 are passed through selected apertures in the bracket 67 and also through three apertures in the collar 62 and are provided with nuts ill on the inner ends thereof. It will readily be seen that this arrangement provides for selectively positioning the desk structure at any one of three adjusted positions of height, either corresponding to the selected height of the chair structure or to suit the preferences of the user. The desk structure may if desired be in the form of a book box having a hinged cover instead of the flat top shown. However, one of the novel features of the chair-desk unit as shown is the provision made for books on a shelf or support ll formed in the base canopy is, to the right of the chairsupporting column 23 and rearwardly of the desk-supporting column ll. This shelf or support ii is depressed below the middle region 2! of the base canopy, and is substantially flat and horizontal, thus making a convenient space for the temporary deposit of books or other materials.

The base structure if) and its extension are provided with depending feet or glides at the corners thereof. Three of these, designated 12, are secured to the rear corners and to the left front corner of the base plate '15. The fourth foot or glide, designated "i3 is secured to overlapping flanges M, 15 turned inwardly from the side walls 36 of the base extension 3 3, at the right front corner of the structure. The feet 12 and 73 are provided with stems which are passed upwardly through apertures in the parts to which they are ture in the base canopy;

attached, and then riveted over as best seen in Figure 5.

It will be seen that the construction is such that the front edge of the chair seat 2? substantially coincides with a vertical plane through the front edge of the base structure l0, and that the desk structure it overhangs these front edges of the chair seat and the base structure and extends forwardly therefrom. As a result, an occupant of the chair-desk may be correctly seated with legs beneath the desk structure and with feet flat on the floor, and with no projections or obstructions beneath or in front of the feet or legs.

It will thus be seen that a novel combination chair-desk unit is provided, in which the chair and desk units are supported upon a relatively flat base structure of substantial length and breadth which affords great stability in the structure while at the same time providing all of the advantages pointed out hereinbefore; and while but one specific embodiment of the invention has been herein shown and described, it will be understood that numerous details may be altered or omitted without departing from the spirit of the invention as the same is defined by the following claims.

We claim:

1. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively fiat base structure comprising a base plate and a base canopy secured to the base plate and spaced upwardly therefrom in its middle region, said base canopy being provided with an aperture therethrough in said middle region; a chairsupporting column secured at its lower end to the base plate in its middle region and projecting upwardly therefrom through said aperture in the base canopy; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-supporting column; a desk-supporting column secured to the base structure near one of the front corners thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said desksupporting column.

2. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively flat base structure comprising a sheet metal base plate provided with embossed strengthening ribs and supporting feet depending therefrom and a base canopy secured to the base plate and spaced upwardly therefrom in its middle region, said base canopy being provided with an aperture therethrough in said middle region; .a chair-supporting column secured at its lower end to the base plate in its middle region and projecting upwardly therefrom through said apera chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-supporting column; a desk-supporting column secured to the base structure near one of the front corners thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said desk-supporting column.

3. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively flat base structure comprising a base plate and a base canopy secured to the base plate and spaced upwardly therefrom inits middle region,

said base canopy being provided with an aperture therethrough in said middle region, and said base canopy having a depressed substantially flat shelf to one side of said middle region adapted for the support of books or the like; a chairsupporting column secured at its lower end to the base plate in its middle region and projecting upwardly therefrom through said aperture in the base canopy; a chair structure mounted on-the upper end of said chair-supporting column; a

desk-supporting column secured to the base structure near one of the front corners thereof and projecting upwardly therefrom; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said desksupporting column.

4. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively flat generally rectangular base structure; a, chair-support secured to the base structure and projecting upwardly therefrom; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-support; a base extension secured to one of the forward corners of said base structure and having a portion extending upwardly-forwardly therefrom; a tubular desk-supporting column having its lower rearward wall cut away to form an opening; a housing secured to the lower rearward part of said tubular desk-supporting column and extending rearwardly therefrom, said housing communicating with the lower interior of said tubular desk-supporting column through said opening, and said base extension extending through said housing into the lower interior of said tubular desk-supporting column; fastening means for securing together said housing and said base extension; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said tubular desk-supporting column.

5. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively flat generally rectangular base structure having an upstanding peripheral wall; a chairsupport secured to the base structure and projecting upwardly therefrom; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-support; a base extension having flanges secured to the front and to an end part respectively of said base structures peripheral wall, said base extension having also a medial portion extending upwardly-forwardly from the adjacent front corner of the base structure and terminating in a substantially horizontal web; a tubular desk-supporting column having its lower rearward wall cut away to form an opening; a housing secured to the lower rearward part of said tubular desksupporting column and extending rearwardly therefrom, said housing communicating with the lower interior of said tubular desk-supporting column through said opening, and said base extension extending through said housing into the lower interior of said tubular desk-supporting column, said housing having a tab extending into said tubular desk-supporting column and registering with the web on the base extension, fastening means passing through registering apertures in said tab and said web for securing together said housing and said base extension; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said tubular desk-supporting column.

6. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively flat generally rectangular base structure having an upstanding peripheral wall; a chairsupport secured to the base structure and projecting upwardly therefrom; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-support; a base extension having flanges secured to the front and to an end part respectively of said base structures peripheral wall, said base extension having also a medial portion extending upwardly-forwardly from the adjacent front corner of the base structure and terminating in a substantially horizontal web; a tubular desk-supporting column having its lower rearward wall cut away to form an opening; a housing secured to the lower rearward part of said tubular desksupporting column and extending rearwardly therefrom, said housing communicating with the lower interior of said tubular desk-supporting column through said opening, and said base extension extending through said housing into the lower interior of said tubular desk-supporting column, said housing having flanges disposed adjacent the flanges on said base extension and a tab extending into said tubular desk-supporting column and registering with the web on the base extension, means for fastening the tab and flanges of the housing to the adjacent web and flanges respectively of the base extension; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said tubular desk-supporting column.

'7. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively fiat substantially rectangular base structure; a base extension secured to one of the forward corners of said base structure and having a portion extending upwardly-forwardly therefrom; a chai -support secured to the base structure and projecting upwardly therefrom; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-support; a desk-support secured to the base extension and projecting upwardly therefrom; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said desk-support.

8. In a combination chair-desk unit: a relatively fiat substantially rectangular base structure; supporting feet secured to the base structure and depending from the rear corners and one front corner thereof; a base extension secured to the other front corner of the base structure and having a portion extending upwardlyforwardly therefrom; a supporting foot secured to the base extension and depending therefrom; a chair-support secured to the base structure and projecting upwardly therefrom; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-support; a desk-support secured to the base extension and projecting upwardly therefrom; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said desksupport.

9. In a combination chair-desk unit; a relatively flat substantially rectangular base structure comprising a base plate and a base canopy secured to the base plate and spaced upwardly therefrom in its middle region, said base canopy being provided with an aperture therethrough in said middle region; a chair-supporting column secured at its lower end to the base plate in its middle region and projecting upwardly therefrom through said aperture in the base canopy; a chair structure mounted on the upper end of said chair-supporting column; a base extension secured to one of the forward corners of the base structure and having a portion extending upwardly-forwardly therefrom; a tubular desk-supporting column secured to the base extension and projecting upwardly therefrom and enclosing the base extension at its lower end; and a desk structure mounted on the upper end of said tubular desk-supporting column.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 367,037 Gough et a1 July 26, 1887 406,180 Selander July 2, 1889 998,881 Ellsworth July 25, 1911 1,256,811 McNamara Feb. 19, 1918 2,023,761 Drummey Dec. 10, 1935 2,165,125 Bargen July 4, 1939 2,488,222 Morgan Nov. 15, 1949 2,625,986 Siff Jan. 20, 1953 

